Amazon Opens ‘Urban’ Warehouse Concepts for Prime Delivery

Since its inception, Amazon’s Prime delivery service has had ambitious goals. The fee-based program promises lightning-fast delivery, many times within the same day. In 16 select metro markets, same day delivery is available (by 9pm) if an order is placed by noon. The company now has its sights set in the largest consumer market in the U.S. – New York City.

The task of large scale, same-day shipping may seem almost unsurmountable; consequently Amazon is constantly looking for different ways to improve its services. The company recently built a 50,000 sq. ft. warehouse inside a Manhattan office building across the street from the Empire State Building, seemingly in an effort to better service this highly demanding market. The company’s Prime Now rapid-delivery service will send products to consumer doorsteps within two-hours in select areas of Manhattan, as well other large market areas including Chicago, Los Angeles, Portland, and San Diego. The service is enhanced through Amazon’s new ‘urban’ warehouses, popping up in select large metros.

For Manhattan, and its surrounding overall area, the buying power and potential is unmatched in the U.S.:

Prime Now is a response to the ever-increasing consumer demand for fast delivery. In a generation where everything and anything is seemingly a fingertip on a smart phone away, consumers are demanding orders shipped to doorsteps faster than ever. Currently, Prime Now is also available globally. Parts of the UK, Italy, and Japan offer the service, while the company plans to continue growing the service worldwide.

Brian has been with Chain Store Guide since 2006 and currently holds the position of Senior Market Research Manager, with responsibility for all editorial research, content, and custom market research. Prior to that, he was Managing Editor of CSG’s retail research team, as well as a market research editor. Before his tenure at CSG began, he held several management positions within the grocery industry. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing Management from Florida Southern College.